Side and Rear Windows Are Different From the Windshield
Most side and rear windows are made of tempered glass, which is heated and cooled to make it stronger. When it breaks, it crumbles into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards. A windshield is laminated, with a plastic layer between two sheets of glass, so it cracks but stays in one piece. This is why a windshield can sometimes be repaired and a side or rear window almost never can. Once a tempered window is damaged, it has to be replaced.
- Side and rear windows usually cannot be repaired. They are replaced.
- Replacement often takes about one to two hours.
- Broken glass should be cleaned out of the door and the car interior before or during the work.
- Many installers do the work at your location.
Common Reasons These Windows Break
- Break-ins and vandalism
- Rocks and debris thrown by mowers or passing vehicles
- Storm damage, such as hail or falling limbs
- Accidents, or a stray impact while loading the car
- Heat stress or a defect in the glass, which can cause a window to shatter on its own
The Replacement Process
- Remove the loose glass. The technician vacuums glass from the door cavity and interior.
- Open the door panel and remove the remaining glass and the old regulator clips as needed.
- Install the new glass onto the window regulator.
- Test the window to make sure it moves smoothly and seals.
- Reassemble the door panel and clean up.
A rear window, also called a back glass, is typically bonded in place with adhesive, like a windshield, and may have defroster lines and an antenna. It needs adhesive cure time, and the defroster connections must be checked after installation.
What to Do After a Window Breaks
- Be careful with the glass. Wear shoes and gloves when you clean up.
- Cover the opening. Use heavy plastic and strong tape to keep out Gulf Coast rain and humidity until the repair.
- Do not roll the window up and down if the glass is broken. It can scratch the door or jam the regulator.
- Take photos for insurance and, if it was a break-in, file a police report.
- Remove valuables from the vehicle.
Cost Factors
- The vehicle make, model, and year
- Whether the glass is tinted, has an antenna, defroster, or other features
- Whether the work is done at your location
- Whether the window regulator or the door also need repair
- Whether your insurance covers it. See insurance and glass claims.
For typical prices, see the cost guide.
Questions to Ask an Installer
- Do you have the glass for my vehicle in stock, or does it need to be ordered?
- Will you clean broken glass from inside the door and the car?
- Is mobile service available, and is there a charge?
- What does the warranty cover?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken side window be repaired?
Usually not. Side and rear windows are typically tempered glass, which crumbles when it breaks, so they are replaced.
How long does side window replacement take?
Often about one to two hours, depending on the vehicle and whether the glass is in stock.
What should I do if my car window is smashed?
Clear the glass carefully, cover the opening with heavy plastic and tape, photograph the damage, and contact your insurer and an installer.
Will my insurance cover a broken car window?
Many comprehensive policies cover glass damage, subject to the deductible. Check your policy.
Can a rear window be replaced at home?
Often yes, though the adhesive needs time to cure, and weather can affect the job.
See also: windshield replacement, insurance and glass claims, mobile service.